Blowing Rock Guide
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Blowing Rock GUIDE Dining, Shopping, Lodging, Attractions, Recreation, Calendar & More celebrating the arts _______________________ outdoor adventure: from waterfalls to snowballs _______________________ the blue ridge parkway _______________________ an epicurean escape _______________________ the legend of the blowing rock www.blowingrock.com | 877-750- www.BlowingRock.comINFO | (4636)877-750-INFO (4636) “ The Blowing Rock is the only place in the world where it ” snows upside down. -Ripley’s “Believe it Or Not” Blowing Rock www.BlowingRock.com | 877-750-INFO (4636) 3 The Legend of The Blowing Rock North Carolina’s Oldest Family Attraction The town took its name from the Blowing Rock, an immense cliff 4000 feet above sea level, overhanging Johns River Gorge. The legend of the Blowing Rock claims that a Chickasaw chief- tain, fearful of a white man’s admiration for his lovely daughter, journeyed far from the plains to bring her to The Blowing Rock and the care of a squaw mother. One day the maiden, day- dreaming on the craggy cliff, spied a Cherokee brave wander- ing in the wilderness far below and playfully shot an arrow in his direction. The flirtation worked because soon he appeared before her wigwam, courted her with songs of his land and they became lovers, wandering the pathless woodlands and along the crystal streams. One day a strange reddening of the sky brought the brave and the maiden to The Blowing Rock. To him it was a sign of trou- ble commanding his return to his tribe in the plains. With the maiden’s entreaties not leave, the brave, torn by the conflict of duty and heart, leaped from The Rock into the wilderness far below. The grief-stricken maiden prayed daily to the Great Spirit until one evening with a reddening sky, a gust of wind blew her lover back onto The Rock from the valley below. For people of other days, at least, this was explanation enough for The Blowing Rock’s mysterious winds causing even the snow to fall upside down. Come and experience the beauty and mysterious winds for yourself. www.BlowingRock.com | 877-750-INFO (4636) Blowing Rock Area Attractions GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN The highest point in the Blue Ridge and a nature sanctuary of global importance. Cross the fa- mous Mile High Swinging Bridge, photograph native wildlife in natural habitats and hike some of the South’s finest alpine trails. US 221 one mile south of the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 305. Open all year, weather permitting. THE BLOWING ROCK Hwy 221 S, Linville North Carolina’s oldest travel at- traction since 1933. Short scenic 800-468-7325 walk includes views of Grandfa- www.grandfather.com ther Mountain, Table Rock, and Hawksbill. Also enjoy a small gar- den waterfall, observation tower and unique gift shops. Open dai- ly April-Dec. and on weekends Jan. - March, weather permitting. Located on Hwy 321 S across from Green Park Inn. 432 Rock Road | Blowing Rock 828-295-7111 LINVILLE CAVERNS www.theblowingrock.com Guided tours through a natural BLOWING ROCK ART limestone cavern featuring sta- AND HISTORY MUSEUM lactite and stalagmite formations, Located in downtown Blowing Rock, underground stream and blind BRAHM displays selections from its trout. North Carolina’s only show permanent collection along with ro- caverns. Open year round (week- tating exhibits that fulfill its mission ends only Dec.-Feb.). to promote the visual arts, history and Hwy 221 N, Marion | 800-419-0540 heritage of the mountains www.linvillecaverns.com Corner of Main & Chestnut Street 828-295-9099 MAST GENERAL STORE www.blowingrockmuseum.org Nestled in a secluded mountain DOC’S ROCKS valley, discover a place Charles NC’s only education-based gem Kuralt called ”a destination.” Out- mining experience. Open year fitting the Appalachian since 1883 round, rain or shine, with an with traditional mercantile goods, indoor heated flume. Once you clothing, footwear and outdoor find your treasure, Doc can facet gear for all seasons. Warm up by and set your stones! our potbellied stove, mail a letter 129 Mystery Hill Ln, at our antique post office, and dis- Blowing Rock | 828-264-4499 cover why some times are just too www.docsrocks.net good to leave behind. Hwy 194, Valle Crucis | 828-963-6511 www.mastgeneralstore.com Blowing Rock www.BlowingRock.com | 877-750-INFO (4636) 5 Blowing Rock Area Attractions THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY Outstanding scenery and recre- ational opportunities make the Blue Ridge Parkway one of the most popular units of the National Park System. Nearby attractions on the Parkway include The Linn Cove Viaduct, The Orchard at Altapass, MOSES CONE MANOR Price Lake, and many others. & PARKWAY CRAFT 828-271-4779 | www.nps.gov/blri CENTER Situated on 3,516 acres, Moses Cone Manor looks down across acres of apple orchards leading to Bass Lake. The 25 miles of gently sloping carriage trails in Cone Park offer many opportunities for lei- surely hiking. Flat Top Manor now houses the Parkway Craft Center, which showcases the work of the members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Blue Ridge Pkwy Mile Post 294 828-295-7938 MYSTERY HILL It’s a fascinating exploration of sci- ence, optical illusion and natural phenomena. Tour includes the TWEETSIE RAILROAD Mystery House where visitors Wild West family theme park fea- stand at a 45° angle, the Hall of turing historic steam engines and Mystery, the Puzzle Room, and a 3-mile train ride through the NC Bubble-Rama. Also features Ap- mountains. Live entertainment, spe- palachian Heritage Museum and cial events, amusement rides, and the Native American Artifacts Mu- Deer Park. Open May-Oct, with seum with 50,000 relics. Ghost Train Halloween Festival select 129 Mystery Hill Ln nights in Oct. See website for details. Blowing Rock Hwy 321 | Blowing Rock 828-264-2792 800-526-5740 | 828-264-9061 www.mysteryhill-nc.com www.tweetsie.com www.BlowingRock.com | 877-750-INFO (4636) Blowing Rock www.BlowingRock.com | 877-750-INFO (4636) 7 outdoor adventure From Waterfalls to Snowballs Enjoy an array of exciting outdoor activities in one of the most geographically beautiful regions in North America. Nestled among the mountains of the Blue Ridge Parkway, it is no won- der that Blowing Rock is a popular recreation spot. With access to countless hiking and horseback riding trails, the serenity of the mountains offers visitors an escape from city life. The Glen Burney Trail, located in the heart of Blowing Rock, is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The trail, which was long used by Indian hunters and later as access to turn of the century logging camps, provides breathtaking vistas of two substantial waterfalls. Overlooking Bass Lake, the Moses Cone trails on the Parkway, ideal for horseback riding and easy hikes, showcase the lux- ury of nature. One of the most notable is Craftsman’s Trail, a 20-minute loop the Cones walked each morning. Fish in the area’s trout streams, canoe the lakes, or take a cave trip and explore the intricate underground world of magnifi- cent rock formations. For ambitious outdoor adventurers, the Blowing Rock area offers the best in mountain biking, kayaking and whitewater rafting. During the winter months, premier ski resorts offer ski- ers the area’s optimum slopes. For the beginning skier or the snowboarder, learn from expert trainers who will teach you the latest tricks and techniques. www.BlowingRock.com | 877-750-INFO (4636) Recreation & Outdoor Adventure HORSEBACK RIDING BLOWING ROCK EQUESTRIAN PRESERVE Home of the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show, Ameri- ca’s oldest continuous running horse show. Located adjacent to Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, with easy access to 26 HIKING, BIKING miles of carriage trails. Nightly & CLIMBING horse boarding, with 430 per- manent stalls. | 828-295-4700 BLUE RIDGE Parkway www.blowingrockequestrian.com “America’s Favorite Drive,” wind- ing 469 miles along the Appala- DUTCH CREEK TRAILS chian chain in VA & NC. Views, This 200-year-old farm is home picnicking, hiking, road bik- to a wide range of terrain and ing, camping, fishing and more. some of the best area scenery. www.nps.gov/blri Ride through old fields and wooded trails with experienced GLEN BURNEY TRAIL guides. Rides usually just over an Adjacent to downtown Blow- hour. Call ahead for reservations. ing Rock, offering views of three Valle Crucis | 828-297-7117 substantial waterfalls: the Cas- www.dutchcreektrails.com cades, Glen Burney and Glen Marie. Descends 800ft into PARKS John’s River Gorge; strenuous. 828-295-4636 BLOWING ROCK PARKS & ROCK DIMENSIONS RECREATION Guided rock climbing and rap- Located in the Mayor Joe Clark pelling instruction in the NC Recreation Center on Park Av- mountains. Caving trips in TN. enue. Year-round recreation pro- Outdoor climbing tower and gram, heated outdoor pool, ten- high ropes/challenge course & nis courts and municipal park. 828-295-5222 zipline. | Boone | 828-265-3544 www.rockdimensions.com JULIAN PRICE MEMORIAL ROCKY KNOB Mountain PARK Near Milepost 295 on BIKE PARK Variety of ter- Blue Ridge Parkway, comprised of 4,200 acres of mountain land. rain including highly technical, Elevations from 3,400 to nearly downhill-only trails as well as 4,000 feet. Enjoy fishing, canoe- an A-Line style flow trail. A bike ing, camping, picnicking and skills area at the park is also in hiking. 828-963-5911 the works. Hwy 421, east of Boone 828-266-1345 Moses Cone rockyknob.wordpress.com Memorial Park Over 3000 acres with 25 miles of carriage trails for easy hik- ing and horseback riding. Bass Lake & Trout Lake for fishing, and Flat Top Mountain with a panoramic view of the area. Milepost 294, Blue Ridge Pkwy 828-295-3782 Blowing Rock www.BlowingRock.com | 877-750-INFO (4636) 9 Recreation & Outdoor Adventure SKIING, TUBING & WINTER SPORTS APPALACHIAN SKI MTN Facilities include: 46,000 sq ft Ba- varian-style base lodge is smoke- free w/ wireless internet, Res- taurant, Ski Shop, Gift Shop, ice skating, Childrens Program, Nurs- ery for Ages 1 to 4, Lockers, Video Game Room, Meeting Rooms, & 200 foot observation deck.